He’s in the process of hauling the leaf over the doorframe when Arj’s scream makes him stumble and throw his back against the wall to face the outside. His heart is racing and his breath comes in gasps, and he only just arrests his hand from pulling out the dagger hidden down his right boot.

But oh… oh, this is familiar! He’s heard cries like that at night from the safety of his castle – it sent shivers all through him and still does. The feline monsters of his world are as big as horses with voices that echo over the mountains. Watching Arj brings both fear and a pang of nostalgia.

And now there’s not a bird or rodent in sight. Orcelito doesn’t blame them in the least for running.

He laughs, because it’s the easiest way to release tension right now – but don’t worry Arj, the laughter is clearly in excitement. “That was amazing!” He gives the cat a smile. “You’re very good at this!”